What is Norovirus and What Are Its Symptoms?

Norovirus, which is often termed as the “winter vomiting bug,” is the highly infectious virus that causes gastroenteritis or the inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It cause more number of vomiting and Diarrhea outbreaks in any region across the globe. It affect to the all age groups Commonly, it has been noted occurring in the winter, but it may occur at any time.

Norovirus transmits promptly through the following modes of transmission:

Norovirus transmits through multiple routes like:
Infected Food or Water: It is spread if the water from the infected source enters in contact or the person comes to touch the infected food and drinks by an infected person.
Person-to-Person Contact: Person becomes infected if any one makes contact with him through direct touching, like shuffling of hands with the infected person.
Contaminated Surfaces: Infection follows contact with contaminated surface or object then touching your mouth or face.

Symptoms of Norovirus

Symptoms start 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days. The symptoms are as follows:
– Nausea:Feeling queasy in your stomach.
–Vomiting: It may be frequent, forceful episodes of retching.
– Diarrhea: The diarrhea is watery with the frequent passing motions, hence dehydration.
– Abdominal Pain: The cramping in the stomach or tenderness.
– Fever and Chills: Low-grade fever, chills, and generalized body pains.
– Fatigue: General tiredness and frailness.

Who are the Most Vulnerable Patients?

Norovirus infections anybody. However, as witnessed above, there are some patients with worse conditions of symptoms severity. Among them include the young children and the old people.
Any patient with a weakened immune system.

Prevention of Norovirus

Prevention begins with hygiene.
Always wash your hands correctly and satisfactorily with soap and water after visiting the toilet or before handling in whatever way any foodstuff.
Clean and Sanitise Surfaces: Cleanly disinfect frequently touched surfaces especially during an outbreak
Prepare food safely, Cook food appropriately, Clean fruits and vegetables for consumption.
Avoid Contact with Infected people: Avoid Contact others when you have an infection, and do not prepare food for others while you have the infection. sourcehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova_virus


1. How long does norovirus last?

The signs of norovirus infection usually last one to three days but may sometimes leave the individual weak and tired, which they take another day or two to regain their strength before they feel that they are better.

2. Is norovirus an airborne infection?
Norovirus could indeed be the most common through contaminated food, water, and surfaces; however, small airborne particles might cause one to get infected if another person is vomiting nearby.

3. Is there a vaccine for norovirus?
There is no vaccine for norovirus created as yet. Protective methods are still the best measures against getting this infection due to hand washing and disinfection practices.

4. Can one catch norovirus more than once?
Yes, it is possible to catch norovirus infections repeatedly because there are so many thousands of different strains that exist. It is also impossible to become immune to all of them because just being immune to one specific strain does not protect anyone from all the others.

Most of the symptoms associated with norovirus can be self-limiting. However, your condition may need to be taken to a hospital if your instincts sense that the symptom requires urgency with: dryness in the mouth or scant urination and dizziness when trying to urinate; lasts for more than three days; vomiting does not diminish and diarrhea is persistent.

Conclusion

Norovirus is a very common and highly infectious illness with an unpleasant set of symptoms that includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and all the uncomfortable symptoms that go with it. However, the disease is mostly a minor, self-limiting disease, but if precautionary measures and proper hygiene are not followed then this virus can spread as well. In case symptoms escalate or become worse then medical help should be consulted by visiting a doctor. Read morehttps://usavartalu.com/